Monday 25th August Premier League Newcastle v Liverpool 20:00

We go to St James’ Park to start the week with what has become a hotly looked upon fixture down to one man, striker Alexander Isak.

The Swedish international and Newcastle star striker has been courting the affection of Liverpool and has declared he will not play for the Magpies in readiness for a move away. This has sparked a heated debate among Newcastle fans, with many predicting that this match will culminate in a confrontation between Isak's old and new sides.

On the pitch, Newcastle were held to a 0-0 draw at Villa Park despite having the majority of possession and attacking threat as well as a man advantage. That has started their campaign on a solid note with additions yet to come, especially in the striker position.

They have strengthened with marquee signings such as Ramsey and Elanga, who made his starting debut against Aston Villa in the previous fixture on the right-hand wing supporting makeshift striker Anthony Gordon.

Gordon may be tasked again with leading the line, this time against a Liverpool side also full of new faces bedding in, such as Ekitike and Kerkez, who earned a starting spot in the Reds' first fixture against Bournemouth.

The Cherries sunk to a 4-2 loss at Anfield, with the defending champions looking to have picked up from last year's heroics, this time with Ekitike chipping in with his first goal and assist in the Premier League.

With the Reds expecting to once again make a fight for the title, an early fixture against a potential top four candidate with a stunted attack could be exactly what Slot is looking for. For the Magpies, a win would give a shot of confidence for a side looking to consolidate their squad with a new attacker amidst the Isak drama.

Date: 25/08/2025

Time: 20:00

Venue: St James’ Park, Newcastle

The match will be shown on Sky Sports Main Event.

Tuesday 26th August EFL Cup Sheffield Wednesday v Leeds United 20:00

There is a Yorkshire derby in the EFL Cup this week, with new Premier League side Leeds taking the short trip to Hillsborough to face a Sheffield Wednesday side currently suffering on and off the pitch.

The Whites have got off to a hot and cold start in the return to the Premier League with a 1-0 home win over Everton, making them the first Championship champions in 17 years to win their first fixture.

Then it was on to Arsenal at the weekend, where Leeds were brought back down to earth in a 5-0 drubbing at the Emirates.

Now with a respite from league action, they are onto a Yorkshire derby with hopes of getting back to winning ways before they face another top team in Newcastle.

Sheffield Wednesday’s issues go beyond just the on-pitch action, with uncertainty surrounding the future of the club, with owner Chansiri unable to sell the club with debts mounting up that has resulted in a transfer embargo and the closure of a stand at Hillsborough until further notice, further taking away money-making opportunities.

All that chaos behind the scenes has leaked onto the pitch too, with zero wins in four matches this campaign with two losses and a draw in the league, which has left them in 21st place in the Championship.

The Owls did pick up a penalty shootout win against Bolton in the previous round of the EFL Cup after falling to a stoppage-time equaliser. With that being their only win so far and so much happening behind the scenes, it will be a hard task to get one over on Premier League opponents, but a victory could be the spark of joy in what is predicted to be a season of struggles for both sides.

Date: 26/08/2025

Time: 20:00

Venue: Hillsborough, Sheffield

The match will be shown on Sky Sports Main Event.


Thursday 28th August Betfred Super League Leigh Leopards v Castleford 20:00

As we move into the Super League in 2025, two clubs on opposite ends of the spectrum will meet as Castleford Tigers cross the Pennines to take on Leigh.

The home side are currently in fifth spot on 31 points, but thanks to a highly congested playoff picture, they are just one point away from the top two and automatic qualification for the semi-finals.

After a difficult run of back-to-back losses to other playoff hopefuls in the form of Leeds and Hull FC, the Leopards bounced back against bottom side Salford with a 38-6 demolition at Leigh Sports Village.

Castleford are on a four-match losing streak, with the latest being a 38-4 away loss to fellow strugglers Catalan Dragons. In those four losses, they have not conceded less than 36 points per game and only racked up 16 points.

Hope does seem to be reigniting in West Yorkshire, though, as a new head coach has finally arrived after Danny McGuire’s sacking in the form of ex-Featherstone coach Ryan Carr. While this season may be a write-off for the Tigers, there is new optimism for next year that Cas can become more of a force in the Super League.

For Leigh there is hope right now that they can finish strong in the playoffs and hopefully in the top two with the grand final beckoning.

Date: 28/08/2025

Time: 20:00

Venue: Leigh Sports Village, Leigh

Friday 29th August Betfred Super League Hull KR v St Helens 20:00

The weekend is ushered in with more Super League action as league leaders Hull KR await the visit of second-placed St Helens to Craven Park.

Hull are enjoying a magnificent season in 2025 with just four losses and a five-point gap at the top. They were also in the midst of a four-game winning streak until the weekend when they travelled to Headingley to face Leeds Rhinos, who are also vying for a top two spot. In a shocking display the Rovers were demolished from start to finish in a 28-6 loss that has left them on 38 points and in threat of a gap closing this week.

Saints are coming into this in full confidence following a four-game run of their own, with the latest being a 16-10 win over Rovers’ bitter rivals Hull FC. The Saints' last loss came to Leigh in mid-June, which is the only loss since late May, which signals an incredible run for Paul Wellens' men, who moved into second over Wigan on points difference after that Hull win.

With a gap at the top to preserve, Hull will no doubt be in finer form at home for this fixture, but battling a side in such good form will be a greater challenge, especially against a St Helens side looking to be in good spirits and positioning for when the playoffs start in just five games' time.

Date: 29/08/2025

Time: 20:00

Venue: Craven Park, Hull

The match will be shown on Sky Go.